Dog Week - a troubling dilema

I have done something I somewhat regret and somewhat don't regret.

TAKING A DOG

I had the nicest smartest dog near my work place.
I saw him from time to time when going out of the building for a cigarette.
He was living with a (human) family a few hundred meters from my work, and was always strolling alone at our building, thinking one of the building's security guards is the building's owner ..
Noone, including his family, saw him for 2 weeks now.
The security guards said some municipal-public-health car came and took a few dogs.
On Sunday, 23th of May, 14:30, I went to see if he is locked in the municipal "dog jail" which I would more describe as the Tel-Aviv extermination camp for dogs.
I was so mentally wounded and shocked to look at all the dogs barking when I came to the yard infront of their cages..
I have a continuing anxiety disorder, and was really overwhelmed.
The dog I was looking for wasn't there.
Perhaps he's gone to another place.

But there were so many others. Mercy filled me.
I picked a nice about 1-year-old dog, trembling to choose.
I paid to free him, with him getting an injection against rabis and a rope (literally).


HANDLING THE DOG

I can't describe the feeling.
He has been locked for 2-3 weeks and had too much energy.
He wanted to run away, even from the taxi to my Ramat-Gan room.
He saw a hand - he bit. He pissed and pooped on the floor.
I had a dog once when I was 17 for 2 weeks and my parents (dad) couldn't stand him.
I took him from near certain death, but he has gradually calmed down, and is very intelligent, although still a bit aggressive.
I bought him stuff to eat and play with, but I'm a loner.
Suddenly I couldn't sit quietly at my computer!
How long will this last?!
Will I live for the next 15 years with this dog?!
And I said I won't get married!
I had a horable week. The dog had his greatest so far.
I work, have a rented apartment with my sister (an intelligent witch) and don't really have enough time as it is - especially with my anxiety diorder which causes me many situations of mild shortness of breath even when I'm on 40mg seroxat a day for the last 3 years.

THE DILEMA

Taking care of someone, in this case a dog, is unconcievable.
I cannot let him have another broken heart -
I will NOT leave him somewhere, and certaqinly not in the city/city's death house.
I thought it over (paniced as hell for the first 2 days), and decided the only way is to live with him as if he'll stay, but go to public dog adopting events to give him to a NICE FAMILY.
I've already been to one small event but was unsuccessful, and there's a big one every Saturday.
I'm starting to think I can hold the dog, which is nice, and moves me out of my chair (and my sleep) for long walks, but I principally want to "reject" him to a good place.
He won't feel too much - moving from one boring house to a more interesting one.

DEBATE
Currently, there is 5% for me to keep the dog (mainly if I don't find a nice family).
The only thing I may think that can cause me to DECIDE to keep it anyway is if the mental therapy he is giving me (and the excersice ) will cause my anxiety disorder to somehow slowly disappear.

Please write about:
1. What d'u think, man?
2. Can you tell me of people with anxiety disorders for whom a dog was helpful?? (really really important for me).
3. Is he pretty? (sure - don't answer, I'm not interested)
4. What races is he made from?
5. Leha! G-Man! Shekel! Want a dog?..

This is a pic of him (named Ootchy, since it is the sound I make when I see a real nice animal.. )

I don't know anything about anxiety disorder, which appears to be as much the theme of your post as the dog - hansom animal btw

Have you given him a name?

Could the dog distract you, in a good way, from the things that cause anxiety?

stormbind said:

I don't know anything about anxiety disorder, which appears to be as much the theme of your post as the dog - hansom animal btw

Have you given him a name?

Could the dog distract you, in a good way, from the things that cause anxiety?

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Yes, anxiety disorder disorders my life badly, and I avoid talking about it mostly, but here it may be eased in a strange way, although, again, I've had a very bad week myself, but handles the last day or 2 just fine.

I edited the post - ofcourse I named him. Ootchy. Cute sound, although he is male..

The last question you ask is what I ask you.
Perhaps civilization, forums, games, chess.. are cause of anxiety..
Although I think terror does it better, and global warming even better than that!
Perhaps I'll also open a disorders thread.. hmmm.

He is a good looking dog!
Sounds like you made a snap decision based on good instincts but not practicality. I certainly can't fault you for that. My wife and I have done the same thing with our 2 dogs and 3 cats - all adopted.
Being a pet owner means committing a lot of your time to the physical and emotional needs of your pet. If you can do that, you get far more in return than you give. If you're not up to it right now, look for that nice family to adopt him.
I would tell you, though that the first few weeks are the hardest, before you and your pet settle into a more comfortable routine.
Good luck!

Don't worry about what comes next, as long as Ootchy is happy you've done a great thing

The dog isn't worrying about global warming or Bush's antics.. and Ootchy isn't plotting against you either.. he just want's a cuddle and some food

Do you take him to the park to play fetch?

Any dog owners on here who can give tips?

stormbind said:

Don't worry about what comes next, as long as Ootchy is happy you've done a great thing

The dog isn't worrying about global warming or Bush's antics.. and Ootchy isn't plotting against you either.. he just want's a cuddle and some food

Do you take him to the park to play fetch?

Any dog owners on here who can give tips?

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Well, I take him to play fetch, but he's much more interested in smelling and looking for a good food/piss than playing when outside.
At home he likes to fetch... outside... today the first cat attack came from beneth a parking car - that was a great cat jumping directly on his face for a second and ran away.
He actually yelled for help for that second, since he was attacked and couldn't see.
Fortunately and surprisingly, after that lesson that was hopefully learned, he's totally well.
No harm done by cat. Just scared the **** out of him.

We don't have a near park, but some open space (~100X100 meters) in front of my room.
Also, I let him shi-t at (the garden/parking of) all the neighbours I hate..
Not many I hate, but some. I don't say a word. He just shi-ts.

Yeah! Dog owners!
Perhaps they don't have time to civ..

I salute your action in giving this chap a home!
I have lived with a pooch for 13 years, and he is still teaching about his species!

Remember a dog is a friend like no other, he cannot feel hate or jealous greed.
He is you partner in crime, and once you gain his trust (not a hard task) he will defend you till his last breath.

Never hit him, but be commanding when he misbehaves, food is a good bribe.
A dog is great as a security device that can tell you for sure if there are any lurkers near your home.

I would keep him, a bit of retro training and he will be fine, dogs are adaptable.

But if you must move him out, make sure he goes to a really good 'dog' family.
Dogs are really a 'one pack' species though, it is bad for him to shuttle around too mcuh.

CurtSibling said:

I salute your action in giving this chap a home!
I have lived with a pooch for 13 years, and he is still teaching about his species!

Remember a dog is a friend like no other, he cannot feel hate or jealous greed.
He is you partner in crime, and once you gain his trust (not a hard task) he will defend you till his last breath.

Never hit him, but be commanding when he misbehaves, food is a good bribe.
A dog is great as a security device that can tell you for sure if there are any lurkers near your home.

I would keep him, a bit of retro training and he will be fine, dogs are adaptable.

But if you must move him out, make sure he goes to a really good 'dog' family.
Dogs are really a 'one pack' species though, it is bad for him to shuttle around too mcuh.

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Thanks!
About food..
I want to get him used to the fact that there will always be more food, so his plate and water are never empty.
He already understands and doesn't finish it all, but decides for himself.
How do I give him food for good things if he gas food all along? candies? which?

I don't want him to move too much!
That's the whole point!
Otherwise I'll hate myself for the rest of my life - more than if I, say, killed a man (I haven't).
A man is mostly accountable for his bad actions, a dog is not.

We have had a number of dogs, both large and small (6 so far over the last 20 years). I salute the fact that you recognize your moral responsibility towards the dog. Also, dogs can be quite therapeutic, which could be a plus for your disorder.

How old is he, and do you know what breed is he? From the pic he looks like a younger animal, and could get quite large. In that case, he would probably be better off not being in an apartment (unless you have the time and dedication to walk him far and often). I can sympathize with your dilemma, but really it is ill-advised to make the decision to get an animal on an impulse. Looks like a cute dog though.

Bigfoot said:

From the pic he looks like a younger animal, and could get quite large.

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I'm no expert <-- emphasis.

The dog in the photo does look young but it's hard to tell if Ootchy will grow large.

Ootchy looks a bit like a Retriever to me, but with my limited knowledge that means absolutely nothing! But for general discussion, here's some snippets of information on Retrievers..

The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, very active dog. Wide over the loins and strong and muscular hindquarters. He is easy to train and is good with children and other dogs. The Labrador Retriever is good natured, loyal and hardworking. He should never be aggressive. He makes a good gundog and domestic pet.

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Golden Retrievers are a powerful, active dog, sound and well balanced. They possesses a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. An ideal sportman's companion, family pet, an excellent gundog, guide or service dog. Gentle with children, they enjoy the endless attention children provide. Goldens love to swim and should be allowed to do so whenever possible. Though he will adapt well to a kennel environment, he prefers human companionship and is not happy in solitude.

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If Ootchy is a Retriever, which he may well not be, he would be an awsome choice for filling his owner with confidence.

boogaboo said:

Thanks!
About food..
I want to get him used to the fact that there will always be more food, so his plate and water are never empty.
He already understands and doesn't finish it all, but decides for himself.
How do I give him food for good things if he gas food all along? candies? which?

Click to expand...

Go for a good type of dog food, but nothing too fancy (it's expensive stuff)
Some dogs have favourite flavours, but you cannot go wrong with beef, chicken or other meaty dog foods.

I feed my pooch around 5pm, or when I am having my own dinner.

Serve him his meal everyday, (except for one day when he gets no food,
as this is good for the dog's metabolism - Let's him clean out!).
He will eat it all when he feels like it, dogs are all greedy beggars.

Let him get into a food routine, and fix dinnertime to a certain time.
he will let you know around his dinnertime that he hungry!

Don't overdo it with candies, as these are bad for his digestion.
Keep them for special occasions, and only in small bits.

He will appreciate special tidbits like this!

boogaboo said:

Thanks!
I don't want him to move too much!
That's the whole point!
Otherwise I'll hate myself for the rest of my life - more than if I, say, killed a man (I haven't).
A man is mostly accountable for his bad actions, a dog is not.

Click to expand...

I think you will get along fine with him if you can integrate things like walks and feeding into your own routine.

He will be happy to live in a house when he has a source of food and friendship.

And don’t worry, a dog does not want 100% of your time.
My dog usually lies around most of the day or patrols the house,
(usually trying to find a new sleeping area!)

he will let you know with whines when it is time for a walk.
Eventually he will develop his own code to let you know things.

My pooch will run to the kitchen and point his nose at the sink and bark when he wants a drink!

Your new pal will also develop these pointers too.
Just relax and let him settle in.

Hope this helps, man!

"usually trying to find a new sleeping area!"

@stormbind
Actually, one of our current dogs is a golden Labrador. She is very loving, intelligent and protective of our family. But as a pup she chewed EVERYTHING she could get her paws on -- I tallied up the damage once, and she destroyed something like $300 worth of personal belongings! Definitely not a low-maintenance breed, especially for an indoor dog.

Can we have more pictures of Ootchy?

Bigfoot, what's the difference (ignoring colour) between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Golden Labrador .. 'cause I have a sneaky feeling they ain't quite the same.

stormbind said:

"usually trying to find a new sleeping area!"

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Dogs will seek out any surface to lie on apart from the floor!

Be it a bed, sofa or your pile of newly pressed clothes!

It is the one thing they share in common with cats!

Many people do not realise the damage that comes from hairy breeds too!
Dog hair is like sand on a beach, it gets into everything!

My hirsute companion has clogged and killed at least two vacuum cleaners in his career of mess-making.

Here is the culprit, notice the incredible amounts of hair!

CurtSibling said:

My hirsute companion has clogged and killed at least two vacuum cleaners in his career of mess-making.

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I knew any photo posted by Curt would display darkness and devilish eyes! Looks friendly though

Ah, but it works both ways... if you didn't invest effort in keeping your pet, there's less enjoyment or reward.

People are always more attached to those things they invested in.

boogaboo, this is a great thing you are doing!

There is some excellent advice from the posters in this thread. It sounds like you have the makings of a great pet and long-term friend.

It is hard to tell exactly what breeds he is from...but a mix is usually the hardiest of them all, so that's good.

His energy comes from his youth and, of course, his enthusiasm from his life being saved. You're his hero, and he will never forget the deep feeling of gratitude towards you for your kind act, even if the memory of his ordeal fades away (I think dogs tend to be optimistic for the most part, so they do not keep vivid memories of hard times).

He looks like a good frisbee dog. I've always wanted a dog that would catch / retrieve a frisbee, but I'm not sure how to train one.

Good luck, man! I hope you can find a way to keep him or at least a good family to enjoy his company.

Thanks everybody, although I still don't know his breed..
Here is the best shot I could take in the last 15 minutes (he's always chewing and it is a bad webcam) :

Looks like a young retriever to me. Very inteligent and social animals!

Even if it's not a retriever, it surely has a lot of retriever blood in it? Can someone back me up?

I emphasise again that I am not expert. There are lots of types of retrievers, but I think Golden Retriever puppies have short hair, and adults have longer hair. Noting Ootchy's hind legs, there appears to be signs of longer hair begining to show.